[Music] It's been a little more than a year since Starbucks brought in Brian Nickel proven turn on artist take over the business. Since then, he's already made major strides in breathing new life into the story. Although the stock's still struggling, there's been a lot of speculation about the value of the China business, Starbucks. The CEO now tells me it's expected to be north of $10 million. That includes the upfront investment by a potential partner with the company retaining a stake in the China busine ...

Core Insights - Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI) reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and sales, driven by strong digital growth and rising identical-store sales [1][2] - The company announced a $750 million accelerated share repurchase and raised its full-year profit outlook [1] Financial Performance - ACI's adjusted earnings per share for the second quarter were 44 cents, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of 40 cents [2] - The firm is projecting adjusted EBITDA of $3.89 billion for 2025, an increase from the previous estimate of $3.85 billion, with identical sales growth expected at +2.5% [5] Analyst Ratings and Outlook - Telsey Advisory Group analyst Joseph Feldman reiterated an Outperform rating on ACI, with a price target of $24, citing a positive turnaround trajectory for the company [3] - Feldman raised his 2025 EPS outlook to $2.15 from $2.11 and for 2026 to $2.29 from $2.24, indicating a strong growth potential [5] Strategic Initiatives - Key initiatives include enhancing digital engagement, scaling media collective, improving value/loyalty programs, modernizing technology, and driving productivity [4] - The company is focused on pruning underperforming stores and non-core assets to improve overall performance [3][4] Valuation Metrics - ACI's stock is currently trading at approximately 4.7x 2026E EV/EBITDA, which is one to two turns below its historical range, suggesting potential valuation upside [4]

Core Viewpoint - NIKE, Inc. is recognized as one of the best wide moat stocks to buy, primarily due to its strong brand asset and improved sales performance, particularly in apparel and footwear [1][2]. Sales Performance - NIKE's sales growth is attributed to healthy unit volumes across various regions, with a notable increase in units sold in apparel and footwear [1]. - The company has benefited from new distribution points and value channel sales, contributing to its overall growth [2]. Financial Metrics - In Q1 2026, NIKE's gross margin contracted by 320 basis points to 42.2%, but there is an expectation of sequential improvement in the second half of the year [2]. - The anticipated improvement in gross margin is supported by the lapping of previous wholesale support actions, which may help mitigate challenges from tariffs and market fluctuations in China and Converse [2]. Management and Strategy - Under the leadership of new CEO Elliott Hill, NIKE is in the early stages of a turnaround, with significant changes in management and a renewed focus on sports [3]. - Hill's "Win Now" strategy aims to return the company to profitable growth through accelerated product innovation, distinctive marketing, and rebuilding wholesale distribution while adjusting inventory levels [3]. - Although a full turnaround will take time, there are early signs of progress being observed [3].

- Welcome back to the Deal. On today's episode, Erika Ayers Badan, she's now the CEO of Food52. You knew her in her previous job as CEO of Barstool Sports.- I did. And she's a master at turnaround companies. I cannot wait to hear it, but she's a great leader, great communicator, and she's onto new things.- Yeah, she has got massive ambitions. She's also deep into the world of lacrosse. She played in college and now she's on the board of the Premier Lacrosse League with our buddy Paul Rabil.So lots to talk t ...

PepsiCo Inc (NASDAQ:PEP) aims to silence analysts who are lowering the stock's price target and an activist investor pushing for changes when it releases third-quarter financial results Thursday before the market close.Here are the earnings estimates, what experts are saying about the beverage giant, and the key items to watch.Earnings Estimates: Analysts expect PepsiCo to report third-quarter revenue of $23.83 billion. Benzinga Pro data shows $23.32 billion in last year's third quarter.The company has beat ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the investment potential of TEVA, highlighting its long-term position and market performance [1]. Company Analysis - TEVA has shown resilience in its stock performance, indicating a beneficial long position for investors [1]. - The company is involved in various sectors, which may provide diversification benefits [1]. Market Context - The overall market conditions and past performance of TEVA are analyzed, suggesting that historical results do not guarantee future outcomes [2]. - The article emphasizes the importance of individual investor assessment when considering TEVA as an investment option [2].

Core Insights - The sportswear industry is experiencing a resurgence in demand after a challenging period, indicating optimism for major players like Nike, Inc. [1] Financial Performance - Nike reported first-quarter revenue of $11.72 billion, surpassing analyst estimates of $11 billion, and earnings of 49 cents per share, exceeding estimates of 27 cents per share [2] - Gross margin fell by 320 basis points to 42.2% in the first quarter, with expectations for margin pressure to ease in the second half of the year [4] Sales and Growth - Apparel units increased by 10%, with North America seeing a 16% rise, EMEA 8%, and APLA 10% [3] - Footwear units grew by 2%, with North America, EMEA, and APLA showing growth rates of 5%, 4%, and 5% respectively [3] - Growth was attributed to expanded distribution and stronger value-channel sell-in, although Greater China experienced declines in footwear and apparel units by 11% and 2% respectively [4] Inventory and Strategic Decisions - Inventory in Greater China decreased by 11%, while APLA inventory increased by 9%, indicating a need for additional measures to rebalance stock [5] - Nike has decided to reduce share buybacks and temporarily pause the program to conserve cash amid lower earnings [5] Market Performance - Nike shares were down 0.53% at $71.55, trading within a 52-week range of $52.28 to $84.76 [6]

Core Insights - Nike reported better-than-expected first-quarter results, indicating progress in its "Win Now" turnaround campaign, with a 5% year-over-year increase in wholesale revenue and a 20% rise in running gear sales [2][3] - The company is facing challenges from rising tariff expenses, now expected to reach $1.5 billion annually, up from a previous estimate of $1 billion [5] - Nike's shares have seen a positive response from investors, rising approximately 5% and nearing an average analyst target of $83 [3] Financial Performance - The "Win Now" campaign is showing positive results, with significant increases in both wholesale revenue and running gear sales [2] - Robust spring wholesale orders and a strong response to collaborations, such as with Kim Kardashian, are contributing to the company's momentum [3] Tariff and Production Challenges - Nike's annual tariff expenses are projected to increase significantly due to evolving trade policies, impacting overall costs [5] - The company is reducing production in China, where tariffs are currently at 54%, and is working with partners to manage costs while also increasing prices [6] Market Position - Approximately 51% of Nike's footwear was produced in Vietnam, 28% in Indonesia, and 17% in China last fiscal year, highlighting the company's reliance on Asian manufacturing [6] - Despite the challenges, Nike's shares are regaining favor with investors after a difficult period [4][7]

Group 1 - Nike reported Q1 FY26 results with revenue of $11.72 billion, exceeding the $10.97 billion estimate, and EPS of $0.49, surpassing the $0.27 expectation, indicating a positive financial performance [2] - The company experienced a gross margin improvement and a 2% year-over-year decline in inventory, suggesting early signs of a turnaround [2] - Management noted the relisting of Nike shoes on Amazon, which has shown positive sales pickup and stronger consumer engagement, potentially signaling a successful turnaround [3] Group 2 - Bill Ackman remains bullish on Nike, despite not showing call options on NKE in Pershing Square's Q2 13F, indicating a direct bet on the company's rebound [5] - The launch of the ACKY ETF by VistaShares aims to track Ackman's Pershing Square portfolio, featuring a 15% annual dividend, making it accessible for retail investors [3][4] - Nike's progress in key markets and the introduction of the ACKY ETF have placed Ackman's investment strategy in the spotlight this week [5]

Core Viewpoint - Nike Inc's turnaround efforts are beginning to show positive results as the company refocuses on core sports categories like running and basketball, leading to a boost in share prices by approximately 4% in premarket trading [1] Financial Performance - Nike's sales fell by 1% on a currency-neutral basis in the most recent quarter, which was a smaller decline than expected, with total sales reaching $11.7 billion, surpassing the $11 billion forecast by Wall Street [3] - The company anticipates a low-single-digit decline in sales for the current quarter, aligning with projections [3] - Wholesale revenue increased by 5% on a currency-neutral basis to $6.8 billion, exceeding analyst estimates [8] Strategic Initiatives - CEO Elliott Hill has implemented a strategy to clear old inventory and reorganize the corporate structure, including laying off less than 1% of corporate staff and replacing several top executives [5] - The company is refocusing on sports and product development rather than casual footwear and fashion items [5] - Nike has redesigned its major running franchises, resulting in over 20% sales growth in the running category for the current quarter [6] Product Launches and Collaborations - The launch of NikeSkims, a new line in collaboration with Kim Kardashian's Skims, has received a strong response from shoppers, with a global rollout planned for 2026 [7] - Nike is returning to Amazon.com for the first time in six years and is enhancing its presence at Foot Locker stores [8] Challenges and Market Conditions - The company faces challenges from US tariffs, now expecting $1.5 billion in incremental costs due to higher levies, which have negatively impacted gross margins [9] - Sales in the Greater China region remain weak, attributed to "structural challenges," with plans for a focused restructuring in that market [10] - The Converse brand is struggling, with sales declining by 28% in the quarter after currency adjustments [11] Market Sentiment - Analysts have noted that while Nike's turnaround is on track, there remains a cautious medium to long-term outlook [8][12]